Reviews of Royal Pains, which debuted last night on USA, have been mixed. And "mixed" is how I'd describe mine. Loved Mark Feuerstein. He's not quite the sweetheart he was in In Her Shoes, but his character is by far the most likable onscreen. He's Hank, a New York City doctor who loses his job, his connections, and his fiancée when a hospital trustee dies on his watch. (Technically, it was his day off, but he'd come into the ER with a kid who'd collapsed while they were playing basketball together and chose to return to him once he stabilized the trustee).
Hank is like Burn Notice's Michael, the best at what he does and happy to talk you through the steps — only aloud. At first I gave that an eyeroll, but it grew on me. I'm not sure whether it's Hank's social-climbing accountant brother Evan or the actor that plays him, Joey's Paulo Costanzo, that needs to be dialed back about 10 percent. (Evan is always on, like Psych's Shawn, only not all his jokes are as funny as he thinks.) Regardless, Evan eventually convinces a blacklisted and broke Hank to go to the Hamptons for the weekend, and Evan talks their way into a party thrown by a "German trillionaire" named Boris (Campbell Scott with a semi-ridiculous accent because you know it's Campbell Scott). Hank out-observes Boris' "concierge doctor" — or private physician for hire — and saves a woman's life. Hank then spends the rest of the episode reluctantly answering 911 calls to his cell (which, um, he could've just turned off), and resisting the otherwise popular idea that he become the rich and not famous' new medical MacGyver.
For me, the show's biggest hurdle moving forward will be: How do you make the entitled clients annoying enough to remind us what a good, moral guy Hank is but not annoying enough that we want to change the channel because we're just flat-out angry that these people get to live in such beautiful beachfront homes? The answer is you focus at least 50 percent of each episode on Hank's love life. I suspect we haven't seen our last female suffer from Nightingale Syndrome (an emotional attachment to the doctor who cares for you) — though I'm hoping April, the patient from Boris' party, is gone for good. I didn't feel any sexual tension between Hank and Divya (Reshma Shetty), but someone as high-strung as his self-appointed physician's assistant might have to let her hair down eventually…And of course, there's Jill (Jill Flint), the reason Hank (and therefore Evan) finally agreed to move into Boris' guesthouse. Do I buy her as a hospital administrator, even at the Hamptons' rinky-dink medical center? No. But I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because of the way Hank looks at her. (Feuerstein is so good at that look.) She's been set up as Hank's perfect match — down to their similar taste in modest convertibles — but they can't get together right away, right?
If the writers keep that story line interesting — and don't make it into a love triangle with Boris, who we know has been very generous with donations for the clinic Jill wants to open — I'll stick around. It's summer. My DVR has space. And next week, Andrew McCarthy guest stars.
What about you?
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My husband and I really enjoyed the show. Based on the ads, I was afraid the brother would be too over the top, like the characters on Psych, but was pleasantly surprised. I think it’s a great pairing with Burn Notice for the summer. I realize each show takes some time to find its groove, but I think this one is on its way. Looking forward to the next episode!
I missed the show last night but i recorded it and watched it (and Burn Notice) this morning. I really enjoyed it. I loved Mark on The West Wing and I’m glad he has his own show again. I also really like Paulo’s character…he’s the perfect eccentric/funny guy to Mark’s straight guy. And your spot on about “the look” that Mark does so well. Thursday nights have just became my favorite night of the week again….Now, I just have to wait for Psych to return!
Thought the show was ok; it didn’t have the humor or self mockery that makes Burn Notice or Psych enjoyable. The brother is too much – he isn’t funny, attractive, or adds anything to the show. Dr. Hank needs to remember to laugh at how ludicrous thw whole situation is around him. If the show develops into a romance with the other doctor (unless it is kept light & funny, but sexy – like on Burn Notice) it will drag the show down. The show needs to find its groove in the humor of how outragous everything is & let self-mockery be evident in Dr Hank.
Thought the show was ok; it didn’t have the humor or self mockery that makes Burn Notice or Psych enjoyable. The brother is too much – he isn’t funny, attractive, or adds anything to the show. Dr. Hank needs to remember to laugh at how ludicrous thw whole situation is around him. If the show develops into a romance with the other doctor (unless it is kept light & funny, but sexy – like on Burn Notice) it will drag the show down. The show needs to find its groove in the humor of how outragous everything is & let self-mockery be evident in Dr Hank.
Definitely giving it a shot. Thought last night was pretty good but the best part was seeing all those mansions, that I could never afford! Since it comes on behind Burn Notice, I think I will give it a season pass on TIVO.
I personally loved it. Hank reminds of Derek from Grey’s, cuz both of them can do that “look” to perfection. I thought the brother-chemistry between them was really good and was exactly how I would expect brothers to act with each other and play off of each other. Im so happy the fiancé went away cuz the minute she was all “I always wanted to marry a doctor” I was done with her. I know shes bound to come back eventually to create problems btween Hank and Jill, but I will enjoy the time without her.
Actually, it is another USA series, “In Plain Sight,” with a doctor as lead. But Mary McCormack is a better actor, with better supporting actors. But let’s give it a chance.
I’m hoping Christine Ebersole makes more appearances. And I agree, Mark Feuerstein is adorable.
Parts of it were very good, especially Feuerstein as Hank. His eyes indeed glowed when he looked at the only “real” woman on the show, Jill. I liked Tucker, the “poor little rich boy.” When I first saw the ads for this, I said, “I’m not sure I wanna watch obscenely rich people, especially right now.” Still feel that way, but I’ll come back at least for a few episodes and see where this goes, because of Feuerstein’s Hank and USA’s track record with “characters.”
Parts of it were very good, especially Feuerstein as Hank. His eyes indeed glowed when he looked at the only “real” woman on the show, Jill. I liked Tucker, the “poor little rich boy.” When I first saw the ads for this, I said, “I’m not sure I wanna watch obscenely rich people, especially right now.” Still feel that way, but I’ll come back at least for a few episodes and see where this goes, because of Feuerstein’s Hank and USA’s track record with “characters.”
Parts of it were very good, especially Feuerstein as Hank. His eyes indeed glowed when he looked at the only “real” woman on the show, Jill. I liked Tucker, the “poor little rich boy.” When I first saw the ads for this, I said, “I’m not sure I wanna watch obscenely rich people, especially right now.” Still feel that way, but I’ll come back at least for a few episodes and see where this goes, because of Feuerstein’s Hank and USA’s track record with “characters.”
Parts of it were very good, especially Feuerstein as Hank. His eyes indeed glowed when he looked at the only “real” woman on the show, Jill. I liked Tucker, the “poor little rich boy.” When I first saw the ads for this, I said, “I’m not sure I wanna watch obscenely rich people, especially right now.” Still feel that way, but I’ll come back at least for a few episodes and see where this goes, because of Feuerstein’s Hank and USA’s track record with “characters.”
I really enjoyed it. To me, it is a perfect summer series- entertaining and fun to watch without all the serious drama plus some very funny moments. I thought the characters were very likeable. I will definitely keep watching!
It was the first episode which always has to explan where all is coming from I will watch again next week
being behind burn notice may help it out.
I wasn’t sure if I would like it but found it enjoyable. Also USA has a great track record for picking quirky character series. I will continue to watch it.
First of all, I adore Mark Feuerstein in almost everything he’s in, and would love for him to finally find a vehicle that has some legs. I thought the show was fun and perfect for USA. Quirky characters, with I’m sure, more to come. Good sidekicks, and great location shots. I’ll be watching.
I liked the show — I agree that Evan is too much like Sean on Psych but Hank is not enough like Gus to keep Evan in line (not yet, at least.) Also, as someone who grew up in the Hamptons and was briefly a member of the volunteer ambulance core out there I find the references to the local hospital quite humorous — the actual hospital “Southampton Hospital” does have a terrible reputation!
I liked the show — I agree that Evan is too much like Sean on Psych but Hank is not enough like Gus to keep Evan in line (not yet, at least.) Also, as someone who grew up in the Hamptons and was briefly a member of the volunteer ambulance core out there I find the references to the local hospital quite humorous — the actual hospital “Southampton Hospital” does have a terrible reputation!
I enjoyed it very much! Mark Feuerstein is a great actor with a fantastic ass, and the show itself was clever & funny.
In a Summer filled with mediocrity, I think this show stands out!
I enjoyed it very much! Mark Feuerstein is a great actor with a fantastic ass, and the show itself was clever & funny.
In a Summer filled with mediocrity, I think this show stands out!
I liked it. I thought the supporting cast was excellent… except for the brother. I guess they had to meet a minimum dork quota or something. The hemophiliac teen and his hypochondriac (or whatever she is) girlfriend were cute. Jill Flint is drop dead gorgeous. The PA seems interesting and they can probably do a lot with her. I even liked April and how she treated the brother.Very funny.Hope she returns in a month. Anyway, I’ll keep watching until something goes sour.
It was ok. I wouldn’t wait to watch it like LOST, but I would watch it if nothing else was on. It started out really good and funny, then got boring quick. Not overly impressed
I had to give this show a shot because I love Mark Feuerstein and Campbell Scott. I didn’t like Scott’s accent but I’ll look past it. However, I can’t overlook Dr. Hank talking thru the procedure. Majorly annoying. While I don’t see any sexual tension between Hank and Divya, I could see potential in Divya and Evan. Evan’s character isn’t all there yet but I suppose he’s there to balance out Hank’s seriousness. I agree that Christine Ebersole was great. Love to see more of her as a guest star. My DVR does have space since a lot of the other shows have had their finales so I may stick with it and see if it improves.
I loved the show and have been a fan of Mark Feuerstein since he was on Caroline in the City and Good Morning Miami along with Suzanne Pleshette who played his grandmother. I hope the show does well this summer and I look forward to the next episode. I agree the character of his brother is a bit much, but since Hank is somewhat serious,they needed his brother to be just the opposite.
I’ll probably keep watching since nothing else is on and it’s on right after Burn Notice. But so far, it’s not good enough for me to hunt it down and watch it independently of Burn Notice, like I do with In Plain Sight. I agree that Hank is the best part of the show, and I’m a big fan of Campbell Scott, but I agree that the rich, entitled patients might get real old, real fast!
I liked the show. I will watch or dvr this summer…one of the cooler plots around…beats that reality crap on other channels
I’m willing to give it a shot – the dialogue was a little clunky, the performances a little forced, and Campbell Scott’s accent was way ridiculous, but I think it has potential! I hope USA gives it time to iron out its quirks…
Dude it was AWESOME. And Evan and Divya are perfect for eachother. I love it and it’s a perfect follow-up to BN
Mandi, Mandi, Mandi. It’s not Boris who’s going to contribute to the inevitable love triangle, it’s the harpy blond ex-fiance who, once she gets news that her ex is now a doctor to the megarich, is going to come crawling back begging for his forgiveness. You heard it here first!
The show is inconsistent. One minute its quick & funny and the actors are adorable & charming & witty…the next the writing is stilted & horrendous & unrealistic. Its trying to be “Nip/Tuck” in the Hamptons. Keeping trying, but stop trying so hard, you know? Still, I will give it another chance – you got the hook it, let’s see where the fishing goes.
On another note, the two best things about last night were 1) love how Jill Flint’s teeth are crooked – makes her more loveable & in a way more beautiful. Wasn’t rooting for that hookup at first, but now I am all gung-ho for it. Also, best actor of the bunch last night was Exra MIller as Tucker. Kid was flawless – funny, fast, totally believable (unlike the actress playing his girlfriend.) More of him is welcome – excellent actor. Oh, and Mark Feuerstein is VERY easy on the eyes…